It's difficult to rate this on its own because it's the whole ("Florette" + "Manon") that makes this great. Soubeyran's twisted jealousy and hatred is palpable. Ugolin is a fool caught in the ugliness, cruelly but justly made to pay for his sins in the latter film. The story structure is essential and simple like a fable; the lessons are deep and true.

Character-driven French farmer drama.
Luck, mother nature, and two greedy schemers play tug-of-war with the fate of a young, sun-drenched, hunchbacked Gerard Depardieu and family, set against a visually stunning backdrop of rural France and a score with a personality.
Sucks you in terribly - mischief and heartache - I can't wait to watch the sequel!
~4/5 stars~
"His corn husks will crack like patent leather shoes."